Extended Weekend Getaways Submitted by Julie Morris
Make a Video Scrapbook of Your Travels
Creating a video scrapbook of your vacation allows you to capture memories in a dynamic and engaging way. Unlike static photos, video footage brings moments to life, letting you relive the sights, sounds, and emotions of your trip. It also provides a creative outlet to personalize your travel experience, combining clips, narration, and music. As a lasting keepsake, a video scrapbook offers a vivid, easily shareable reflection of your journey, preserving the special moments that might otherwise fade over time. Use this free video maker to get started!
Choose a Budget-Friendly Destination
What are you in the mood for? City, lake, ocean, mountain, or countryside? Once you’ve narrowed down your wish list, go online and look for special deals and last-minute vacation packages within driving distance that fit your budget. Most sites let you filter your search by price and location as well as what amenities you’re looking for. Take advantage of off-season deals to book cheap hotels: go to a ski resort in the summer or visit a national park in winter. Not only will your trip be cheaper, but you’ll also have fewer tourists and travelers to contend with and more attentive, less frazzled personnel to help you.
Stay at a Family-Owned Bed and Breakfast
Rather than staying at a chain hotel, opt for an independently-owned bed and breakfast. Enjoy a delicious morning meal, then go explore the area. In most towns and cities, you can find free or cheap things to do and places to visit. And because you have your vehicle, you can explore more of the local area.
Some botanical parks, zoos, aquariums, and museums offer free or reduced admissions on certain days or at specific times. Explore the neighborhood by bike, or walk around and discover quaint little shops and locally-owned cafés and eateries. Some local cinemas show second-run movies for a few dollars, and their concession stands are usually much more reasonably priced than in first-run theaters.
Skip the Overpriced Souvenir Shops
Rather than spending your hard-earned money on tacky plastic baubles, look for souvenirs that will still have meaning long after your weekend getaway is over. Gather some sand and look for pretty seashells that you can display at home in a glass jar to remind you of your beach trip. Pick up leaves and acorns from your camping trip and use them to make a unique centerpiece for your dining room table.
Take a selfie in front of an unusual statue or a quaint little boutique, then print and frame the photo or use it for your next Christmas card. Visit the local farmers’ market and pick up a jar – or two – of homemade jam, a bottle of wine from the region, or a bar of handcrafted soap. Visit the local artisan and specialty shops and buy something to remind you of your trip while truly supporting the local economy.
Starting Making Your Travel Plans
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your weekend trip memorable. Get off the beaten path and go after authenticity. Look for off-season deals to book your escape, digitize your documents before you hit the road, then go relax and enjoy!
Extended Weekend Getaways is here to help you plan your next escape from the mundane. Let us know if you have any questions!
Image via Unsplash
